See The Island
A Mostly Undeveloped Island
Little San Salvador
The island covers 2,400 acres, and only 160 acres are developed. It has no permanent residents, the port agency says.
Visit the Island’s Port Site (opens a new tab)
Little San Salvador · The Bahamas
Half Moon Cay
Holland America and Carnival’s shared private island in the Bahamas.
Over a mile of white-sand beach, a free beach-grill lunch, stingray encounters and horseback rides into the sea.
Four Ways to Spend a Day on Half Moon Cay
Unwind Beach
A Mile of White Sand
Little San Salvador
Carnival says beach chairs and umbrellas are free. Holland America sells a Beach Club day pass for $125 a guest, with a private beach, lunch, drinks and priority tender.
See Holland America’s Beach Club (opens a new tab)
Splurge Cabanas
Cabanas and Beach Villas
Little San Salvador
Holland America sells cabanas and two-story Deluxe Beach Villas as shore excursions. Carnival’s cabanas take up to seven guests for five hours, from $799.99.
View Carnival’s Cabana Rental (opens a new tab)
Explore Nature Walk
Historic Nature Walk
Little San Salvador · Carnival tour
Carnival’s one-hour nature walk costs $26.99 a person. It is rated moderate, with no minimum age.
View Carnival’s Nature Walk (opens a new tab)Getting Around Half Moon Cay
Where you land depends on your ship: Carnival ships dock at the north-side pier or anchor, and Holland America ships tender to the south side.
If you do one thing here
Ride Horses Into the Shallows
Carnival’s ride starts at Pegasus Ranch and follows trails to the coast. Then you ride bareback into the sea as the horses swim. It lasts 45 minutes and costs $136.99 a person.
Riders must be 10 or older, at least 54 inches tall and no more than 225 pounds; Carnival weighs guests. Holland America sells its own Horseback Riding by Land & Sea.
Safety and Weather
Only cruise guests can come ashore: the port agency calls the island an exclusive resort area for cruise guests.
- LifeguardsCarnival says trained lifeguards are stationed at beach areas. Life vests are available to guests who rent kayaks or paddleboards.
- WeatherOfficial averages exist for Nassau, about 100 miles away, not for the island. At Nassau airport, highs average 79°F in January and 91°F in August. Rain is under 2 inches a month from December to February and over 8 inches in June and August.
- Hurricane SeasonThe Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November.
Weather: Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Nassau airport (station 78073), 1991–2020 normals. Hurricanes: NOAA National Hurricane Center.
Make it part of your voyage
Cruises Visiting Half Moon Cay
Carnival and Holland America ships call here, and Carnival says many of its itineraries pair it with Celebration Key.
Half Moon Cay FAQ
Is Half Moon Cay safe?
Only cruise guests come ashore: the port agency calls it an exclusive resort area for cruise guests. Carnival says trained lifeguards are stationed at beach areas.
Do you have to tender to Half Moon Cay?
It depends on your line. Carnival ships can dock at the north-side pier, though some sailings anchor and use a water shuttle. Holland America guests tender to the south side.
When did the Half Moon Cay pier open?
Carnival Corporation’s second-quarter 2026 results say the new pier is complete, takes two ships at once, and that tendering continues. They give no opening date.
How do you get to Half Moon Cay from the ship?
From the Carnival pier, Carnival says the walk to the Arrival Plaza takes about 5 minutes. Otherwise you take a water shuttle or tender; the port agency puts the ride at 20 minutes.
Can you walk around Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Carnival says it takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk between tram stations, and free trams run with no booking.
What is there to do at Half Moon Cay for free?
Carnival says beach chairs, umbrellas and lunch are free. Holland America says its food pavilion menu is free, but its umbrellas are for rent.
Can you snorkel at Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Carnival rents snorkel gear and lets you bring your own. Its Snorkeling by Boat tour costs $65.99 a person, lasts an hour and is for ages 10 and up.
Can you use your drink package at Half Moon Cay?
Not on Carnival: it says the Cheers! package does not extend ashore, and bar drinks go on Sail & Sign. Food and drink from the ship are not allowed.
What is the weather at Half Moon Cay by month?
Official averages exist for Nassau, about 100 miles away, not the island. Nassau highs run from 79°F in January to 91°F in August. The port agency says November to April is the dry season.
What currency does Half Moon Cay use?
The port agency says the Bahamian dollar is official and US dollars are widely accepted. Most purchases go on your ship card; bring cash for the artisan market, as there is no ATM.
Is Half Moon Cay owned by Carnival?
Holland America and Carnival run it together. Both announced the renaming to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in December 2024.
How far is Half Moon Cay from Nassau?
About 100 miles southeast, the port agency says.
Photos: Half Moon Cay: Jonathan Palombo (CC BY 2.0) · Little San Salvador: Pmsyyz (CC BY 4.0) · Half Moon Cay: Jonathan Palombo (CC BY 2.0) · Half Moon Cay: Jonathan Palombo (CC BY 2.0) · Half Moon Cay: ImagePerson (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Half Moon Cay: Beyond My Ken (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Cruise ship in port: Matthew Groh (CC BY-SA 4.0). Cropped for display.